Jakarta will likely build subway to ease traffic<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is almost certain to choose the subway
\nsystem as the most favorable alternative to help solve the
\nincreasingly complicated problem of the city's public
\ntransportation.<\/p>\n
Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said \"I have heard of the
\ngovernment's decision to build the 10.3 kilometer subway, linking
\nBlok M in South Jakarta and downtown Kota in West Jakarta,\"
\nAntara reported yesterday.<\/p>\n
There has not been any certainty yet about the cost for the
\nconstruction of the facility. Surjadi said that its cost is
\nestimated to reach approximately US$400 million to $500 million,
\nwhile Antara's source estimates it will amount to $1.092 billion.<\/p>\n
The source, who asked not to be named, said that out of the
\ntotal cost of the subway project, 30 percent will be in the form
\nof an equity and 70 percent in overseas loans.<\/p>\n
The equity will be made up of 30 percent in government funds
\nwith the remaining 70 percent coming from the private sector, the
\nsource said.<\/p>\n
The source explained that the construction of the project will
\nstart next year and is expected to be completed by the year 2000.<\/p>\n
Several consortia from France, Canada, Japan, the United
\nStates, Germany and Australia have reportedly expressed interest
\nin participating in the construction of the project.<\/p>\n
Governor Surjadi said that the participation of the domestic
\nand foreign companies is welcomed because the government is short
\nof funds to build the project.<\/p>\n
\"The government offers a number of incentives to the private
\nsector joining the project, including the rights to manage
\nshopping centers at any stations built along the subway project,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
The governor acknowledged that the project is very expensive
\nbut it is considered to be the most favorable alternative because
\nwhile it is being constructed, the work will not affect the
\ncity's activities, particularly the city's busy traffic.<\/p>\n
He expressed confidence that the construction of the project
\nwill not affect the movement of population to the southern part
\nof the city.<\/p>\n
\"The city administration will strive to maintain the southern
\npart of the city as a water catchment area.\"<\/p>\n
In a bid to help ease the complicated problem of public
\ntransportation, the city administration, in cooperation with
\nrelated institutions, is studying the possibility of building a
\nmass rapid transport system.<\/p>\n
However, the team was involved in a lengthy debate over its
\ntechnology: Whether to use an underground or elevated system.<\/p>\n
Each system has its own advantages and disadvantages. The
\nunderground system would not ruin the city scenery but is very
\nexpensive, while the elevated one is cheaper but worsens the
\nview.<\/p>\n
The team, led by Secretary General of the Ministry of
\nTransportation Muchtarudin Siregar, comprises of officials from
\nthe transportation ministry, Jakarta administration, the Ministry
\nof Public Works, the National Development Planning Agency and the
\nAgency for Assessment and Application of Technology. (hhr)<\/p>",
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